“Land of Demons” Pushes the Limits of Classic Fantasy Novels

Land of Demons: A New Age of Dawns by Zach Sabra

At the outset of Land of Demons: A New Age Dawns, the first book in an intended fantasy series by Zach Sabra, rangers Kyrun and Rogan embark on a tumultuous journey along the trails of Aethora in the world of Keldroarn. As they navigate the mossy terrain, the reader expects to dive into a traditional tale of sorcery. As the story progresses, though, we quickly learn that the true adventure begins after the greatest inventor the Empire has ever known falls completely mad. 

Baron, as he chooses to call himself post-breakdown, was once a talented innovator, but has now redirected his abilities to rendering all weapons completely useless. He constructs volatile mechanisms for destroying all forms of magic and shields, and swords are cast aside in favor of these violent new tools of warfare. The Olympian Empire is fully equipped with Baron’s formidable tools, and now its soldiers, led by an evil general, Titus, invade the lands across Aethora, leading citizens to imminent death or permanent slavery. 

The rangers must now set out to kill Baron and defeat Titus by staying one step ahead on the path of destruction. Kyrun and Rogan are joined in their quest by an elf, a dwarf, a wizard, a samurai, and a crossbow-carrying rogue. As the motley party approaches a castle in the north of Naga, they encounter undead villagers with faces frozen in screams, as well as demons “with bright red eyes and razor-sharp fangs and talons.”

This chilling scene does not deter the company, though, as they rush in to complete their mission. Titus travels on their heels and they must beat him to the castle if there’s to be any hope of winning this war. Blood-drenched and wounded, Kyrun and his company valiantly fight, but the outcome of this battle can only be revealed by diving into your own copy of this thrilling tale.

AN EPIC ADVENTURE 19 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Any fan of high fantasy will revel in the dark twists and unexpected plot points that characterize Sabra’s inventive spin on the genre. Expertly described, each character and scene comes to life, allowing us to understand exactly what is going through their head in each challenging situation. The writing is rich and poetic. With a dose of humor to boot, Sabra creates an emotive and entertaining novel that is difficult to put down. Just when the reader believes they can predict what happens next, the author inserts a puzzling new level to this towering tale. 

On Sabra’s website, he reveals more about the origins of Land of Demons. “The book’s inspiration was comprised of multiple mythologies and a beautiful blend of western and eastern lore,” he says. And yet “it all takes place on a continent filled with original cultures, lands, and creatures.” Sabra’s world-building takes place outside of the confines of the novel. “The series has been in the works for the last 19 years,” he explains, “and has a timeline of over 30,000 years of lore and legends. All to help immerse you in any lands the story finds itself in.”

In that, Sabra succeeds. If you’re looking for a must-read story woven together with all of your favorite fantasy elements, Land of Demons: A New Age Dawns will exceed all of your expectations and set the bar high for the sequels to come. 

Land of Demons: A New Age Dawns is available for purchase.